Every construction worker’s cell phone is now a key business tool. If you had said an iPad, tablet or smart phone would be an indispensable fixture on construction sites just a couple of years ago, they would have thought you were from another planet. Today however, iPads, smart phones and tablets are common place on every work site.

Dave Campbell should know, he is the successful and enterprising Australian builder that has developed a collection of mobile Contractors Apps for the construction industry that are quickly becoming must have tools on construction sites across the globe. In January he will be coming to the United States and exhibiting his practical Contractors Apps at the 2013 ‘NAHB International Builders’ Show’ January 22-24, and then the ‘World of Concrete’ exhibition in Las Vegas in February.

The flagship contractors’ app ‘Tradies’ is currently compatible with iPhones & Apple tablets. ‘BlueStacks’ promises to expand Contractors Apps accessibility to more Google Android device users and the latest Microsoft Surface and Windows 8 touch screen technology. Tradies App has been translated into over 12 languages and is already easing the administrative load for tens of thousands of time poor builders and contractors worldwide. This practical international app allows building contractors to easily complete paperwork on site. In effect, creating a paperless mobile office to increase productivity and eliminate unnecessary travel.

‘Site Boss’, the latest addition to the purpose-built ‘Contractor’s Apps’ range has been developed specifically for site supervisors, and equips them with all the paperless tools required to efficiently manage and complete daily activities without having to return to their office, whilst the ‘Defects’ App simplifies the creation of defect, punch and snag lists, plus service and building inspection reports.

It wasn’t long ago that David was indifferent to mobile apps, seeing them as some of us still do, as the playthings of trendy young contractors. Nevertheless, realising the precious time he spent shuffling paperwork off-site and travelling between sites checking on each project’s and sub-contractor’s progress, it became evident that the benefits of emerging Smartphone and tablet technology would make his job much easier.

“Contractor’s apps are the practical result of a fundamental need,” Dave says.

“It was essential that I knew daily, how my employees and subcontractors were progressing on every site, whilst I was either back in my office, with clients or suppliers, and even when attending major international trade exhibitions in the United States.”

Contractor’s apps streamline keeping site diaries and meeting minutes, processing purchase and change orders, issuing invoices, quotes, estimates, site instructions, RFI’s and time extensions, plus handling subcontract agreements and back charges. Even bid requests can be completed in a matter of minutes on site then sent instantaneously as PDF’s via e-mail to the relevant parties.

“I now receive standardised daily reports from all my staff, and have collected 3 years detailed data that I can access in seconds on my new iPad mini or cell phone. This data can be invaluable when resolving disputes or avoiding a costly deviation from a project’s plan,” concludes David.

“Plus instant invoicing has improved my cash flow.”

Contractor’s App’s development and support team continually work on increasing functionality and additional apps. Site Boss, Defects and Tradies users enjoy ongoing support and updates, plus easy to follow informative videos on the Contractor’s Apps web site – www.contractorsapps.com.

Short video modules take you step-by-step through how Contractors Apps keeps track of daily weather, instructions received, OH&S information, delays, damage and deliveries, plus how easy it is to keep track of hours worked, site photos and your job summary, and instantly get a client variation sign-off before simply emailing the information back to the office.